Penn State's All-Time Greats Revealed by The Sporting News
Five legendary Nittany Lions have been named among the greatest college football players by The Sporting News, in a recent listing that has fans reminiscing about the program's storied past. Among the honorees are four College Football Hall of Famers and two-time All-Americans.
Ted Kwalick, a tight end from the 1960s, was fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1968, the second-highest finish by a tight end in the award's history. He still ranks third all-time in school history for career receiving yards by a tight end, with 1,343 yards.
The Big Ten's Tight End of the Year award is named after Kwalick, a testament to his enduring impact on the program. Earlier, in the 1950s, quarterback Richie Lucas and running back Lenny Moore, both Penn State hall of fame inductees, shone brightly under the guidance of Joe Paterno.
LaVar Arrington, another two-time All-American and College Football Hall of Famer, had a standout 1999 season, winning the Butkus Award and Bednarik Award. He was also the first sophomore to be named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1998.
On the other side of the ball, running back Saquon Barkley, a two-time All-American, finished fourth in the 2017 Heisman Trophy voting, the best for a Nittany Lion in 15 years. He earned numerous accolades, including the Big Ten's top running back and offensive player awards in 2016 and 2017.
Linebacker Shane Conlan, a two-time All-American, delivered an iconic performance in the national title game victory over Miami in 1986, including two interceptions. His 274 career tackles rank 10th all-time at Penn State.
Offensive lineman Sean Farrell was a two-time All-American and a finalist for the top linemen awards in 1981. He was selected in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Sporting News' College Football All-America Teams by Decades listing has generated a lot of buzz among Penn State fans, who are eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2026 season.
Source: Yahoo Sports